Heating up

[Protege11435]

In traffic the temp gauge creeps up. I usually just run the heat for awhile to remedy it, but I'll have to address it sooner or later.

Could the coolant be gunked up with rust from the block? Is the water pump on it's last legs? Is there an electric fan that should be switching on that isn't? Some kind of sensor malfunctioning?

Thank you!

 

[HA-Y-N]

Well start by checking your coolant level if you havent done so already. From the symptoms you gave it sounds like your cooling fan is not working. If the temp is above half way and your fan should turn on and your temp should drop back down. Bad water pump usually leaks from the weep hole so check for coolant near the passenger side of the engine. Bad raduator cap would allow coolant and steam to escape into the resevoir while driving. Thermostat would cause overheating basically all the time. My suggestion would be to start by testing the cooling fan and its circuit. Good luck!

 

[Protege11435]

Thank you. The cap on the overflow does look kind of stripped and abused. Tbh, I can't get it off. I don't want to break the thing. That could be the trouble. The coolant level is ok, though.

I'm with you. I think it's the fans. I'll keep you posted.

 

[concept]

Another thing that could do this is a sheet of plastic or paper/cardboard up against the radiator.

 

[HA-Y-N]

When inspecting the cap you want to make sure the rubber gasket on the underside of the cap is still in good shape. If its warped, cracked or brittle its time for a new one. Concept is also correct, a restricted radiator would cause insufficient cooling. Especially when the car is not moving. Any corrosion in the cooling system? However your fans should kick on whenever that temp guage reaches a little past half way. From a cold start it could take up to 20 min for the fans to kick on. Grab a beer start the engine and wait for them to turn on.

 

[Protege11435]

If the overflow cap is bad could it cause the car to overheat?

 

[concept]

Is it a simple overflow or pressurized expansion tank? The latter will have a warning on its cap about not releasing pressure when the coolant is hot. This is the type of cap that has to seal adequately so that the proper cooling system pressure can be maintained. A simple overflow tank with no warning on its cap is not pressurized. If your cap has the warning on it, it can be checked at most auto repair shops.

 

[Protege11435]

no warning about pressure on the overflow tank. It just says "push down and turn - save a child". i need to pop it off with a screwdriver, though. I just ran it for a few with the radiator cap off - no bubbles. Maybe there's air somewhere in the system? The radiator has two square inches of leaves in one spot, but I dont think that's enough to make the car run as hot as it does. Could the waterpump be acting up?

Where's the thermstat on a 2001 protege 1.6? I don't see it. Thank you.

 

[concept]

Remember, as HA-Y-N mentioned, it is very common for the temperature gauge needle to move higher during stop and go traffic situations on a warm/hot day. At about 200-220 degrees F, the fan should kick on and the temp gauge needle should make its way back to normal.

The next time you return home, pop the hood and watch the temp gauge from outside the car. Your fan should kick on soon after the gauge needle creeps past the halfway mark. If the needle gets to the 3/4 mark , whether the fan turned on or not, shut the engine off.
If you follow the largest hose to the engine, you'll find the thermostat. If you remove it and place it in boiling water, it should be wide open.

 

[Protege11435]

Thanks, guys. I just replaced the thermostat and it seems to have done the trick. I ran the AC for a bit while the car was idling and the temp stayed at operating temp. Before I replaced it, the temp would creep up quick with it on. Perhaps a stupid question: is there some sort of fail safe that shuts the AC down, if the car is overheating? It wasn't blowing cold at all before I replaced the thermostat. Now it seems to be blowing kind of cold, but it's hard to tell. It's a breezy day in Queens, NY..

Maybe this is worth mentioning - I didn't drain the coolant when I changed the thermostat. I just disconnected the upper hose. I tried to catch what I could beneath the car, but a bit leaked out. It was more than a tablespoon, if you know what I mean. The reason I mention it is because the level of coolant in the overflow container seems to have barely changed. Could that thing be clogged up?

Thank you.

 

[concept]

Failsafe? I doubt it. My MX5 thermostat was stuck closed, last Summer. I noticed my gauge needle at 3/4 mark while driving, looked down at my Scan Gauge and saw a coolant temp of 250. I shut the car down and had it towed. Sadly, there is no warning.

My guess is that no, you had no clogs, especially if your coolant temp is not high enough to have your coolant gauge needle creep past the halfway mark.